How much was Shandong Linglong case worth to Cruz?

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst thinks the Shandong Linglong case is a good weapon against Ted Cruz, so he’s not letting up in swinging it.

On Wednesday, Dewhurst senior adviser Dave Carney faxed (faxed!) a letter to Cruz asking him how much he or his firm has received from the tire company.

The firm for which Cruz works is representing the Chinese company as it appeals a $26 million judgment awarded against it and a distributor in a lawsuit by a Florida businessman who said the company copied his blueprints.

The letter notes that on Cruz’s personal financial disclosure form, he lists the company among entities by which he’s been paid more than $5,000. The list appears to include clients for whom he’s worked.

The letter, which accuses Cruz of “diversions and deceptions about your role in denying justice for American businessman Jordan Fishman,” says:

“For transparency’s sake, it is imperative for voters across Texas to know before Early Voting beings, how much money you and/or your firm has received since you accpeted the case to represent Shandong Linglong as a client?”

Cruz spokesman James Bernsen gave a stinging answer, but no amount:

“David Dewhurst has had 32 opportunities to ask Ted any question he wants, but doing so would require he stop hiding behind paid political staffers and actually show up for a real debate, something he’s too scared to do, for fear of having to answer for his record of pushing a wage tax and increasing spending $72 billion.

“If Mr. Carney can actually find Mr. Dewhurst and drag him to a grassroots forum, he’s free to ask any question he wishes, man to man. Texans are waiting.”

Cruz’s $72 billion figure compares the state budget total in 2002-2003 to the one in 2010-11. Dewhurst was elected lieutenant governor in 2002.